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INTERLUDES 



INTERLUDES 



BY 
CLARA BRADWAY CREVELING 



PHILADELPHIA 
THE JOHN C. WINSTON CO. 

19 13 



T5 3-^ L 

fl!3 



Copyright, 1913, by 
Clara Bradway Creveling 

Published, November, 1913 



3Ci.A358243 



Dedicated 
With Affection 

TO 

My Husband 



CONTENTS 








PAGE 


Treasure Trove 


- 


- 9 


The Mocking Bird 


- 


13 


Apple Tree Inn 


- 


- 16 


A Memory 


- 


17 


Little Brown Path 


- 


- 20 


To a Friend 


- 


22 


Sunshine 


- 


- 24 


Reflections - 


_ 


26 


The Garden in My Heart 


- 27 


Beneath the Boughs 


_ 


29 


A Race 


_ 


- 31 


The Forest Temple - 


- 


34 


In the Garden - 


_ 


- 36 


To a Humming Bird 


_ 


39 


Within the Vale 


. 


- 40 


Minnewaska 


- 


44 


Acrostic 


- 


- 46 


An Easter Opening 


_ 


47 


A Mounted Jewel 


. 


- 50 


A Picture - 


_ 


53 


Ipso Facto 


- 


- 56 



(7) 



8 CONTENTS 






PAGE 


My Lesson - - - - 


58 


Harmony - - - _ 


- 61 


The Choir Invisible 


62 


The Shower - - - _ 


- 64 


Response - - - _ 


67 


My Fortune - - _ _ 


- 68 


The Garden of Long Ago - 


69 


Humorous 




Hard Times - - - _ 


- 75 


Knowin' the Language 


77 


Chowder _ _ _ _ 


- 78 


The Crow's Conundrum - 


79 


On a Bark - - 


- 80 


A Change of Expression - 


81 


Style 


- 82 


One Day a Little Girlie Said 


83 


Florida 


- 84 


Limericks 




A Young Maid of Manila 


87 


When You' re Tripping 


- 88 


There Was an Old Lady - 


89 



TREASURE TROVE 

From earliest years I've walked upon the 

sands 

Beside the Sea of Song, so wondrous sweet, 

And culled rich treasures, brought from 

distant lands 

By ebbing waves that left them at my feet. 

In inmost chambers of my heart and brain. 
These relics of surpassing worth lie stored. 

And oft with inward eye, I view again 
In blissful solitude, my precious hoard. 

Each treasure as I hold it to my ear 

Sings o'er and o'er, its own sweet low 
refrain, 

Of Love and Youth, of deepest Hope or Fear, 
Of Life or Death, of Happiness or Pain. 

(9) 



lo INTERLUDES 

Come then with me, dear friend, for well I 
know, 
Thou too hast wandered by this rhythmic 
Sea, 
Oft caught the cadence of its pulsing flow 
And listened to its measured melody. 

Behold this gem of purest ray serene. 

It came from dark unfathomed ocean 
caves, — 
Perhaps once worn by elfin mermaid queen, 
Or maiden fair who sleeps beneath the 
waves. 

From airy fabrics of a dream were made 
These trailing garments of the Goddess 
Night, 

And this, with patines of fine gold inlaid, 
A fragment of the floor of Heaven bright. 



INTERLUDES ii 

Beside this wing of lark that soared above, 
Whose sweetest song bespoke the saddest 
thought, 
You see the iris of the burnished dove, 
Its glowing colors from the rainbow 
caught. 

And here are full ten thousand daffodils 
And many pink-tipped daisies wee and 
fair, 
That dance in glee by Derwent's sparkling 
rills, 
Or broider bright the bonny banks of 
Ayr. 

The shattered vase still holds the roses' 
scent. 
It summons up remembrance of things 

past, — 



12 INTERLUDES 

The days of Youth, with Love and Pleasure 
spent, 
That were too bright, too beautiful to last. 

From stately ships, some shreds and bits of 
sail 
Were found hard by the haven 'neath the 
hill, 
Beside a cold gray stone. They tell the tale 
Of vanished hands, beloved voices still. 

The catalogue of all these treasures bright 
Is bound in many volumes new and old. 

I con the precious pages with delight, 
Yea, more to be desired than much fine 
gold. 



INTERLUDES 13 



THE MOCKING BIRD 

"His ancestors were Quakers, dear, 
For see his garb of gray. 
But now he's not quite Orthodox," 
I heard a sweet voice say. — 
"He followed the bent 

Of the world and went. 
Thee knows, yes, quite astray. 

"Instead of quiet, sober speech 
Quite reckless of the wrong, 
He lilts and chirps and sings and trills, 
Sometimes the whole day long; 
And even at night 
In the pale moonlight, 
I've heard his mocking song. 



14 INTERLUDES 

"I saw him dance this very morn 
Adown the garden bed, 
The figure called a minuet 
With one he's going to wed. 
I very much fear 
Some day he'll wear 
A crimson crest on head. 

"Thee knows the world is changing, dear, 
We seldom see these days, 
In silent meetings the old-time garb — 
Those dove-like browns and grays — 
Of the ones we knew, 
The loved and true, 
With their quiet, restful ways. 

"Perhaps 'twere best to rest content 
With birds and folks as well. 
And let them dance and laugh and love. 



INTERLUDES 15 

Nor long their songs to quell; 

For it really may 

Be God's own way 
Life's dark clouds to dispel." 



INTERLUDES 



APPLE TREE INN 

A million rosy pennants fair 
Are fluttering in the breeze, 

Sweet signals are they for the birds 
And many humming bees, 

To dine al-fresco, free of charge 
With our old apple trees. 

Some noted singers will perform 

A merry roundelay, — 
Sir Robin in a waistcoat red 

And Oriole so gay. 
Come one! Come all! to Apple Inn, 

For 'tis the month of May. 



INTERLUDES 17 



A MEMORY 

Beloved old Apple Tree Inn 

At the foot of the clover-crowned hill, 
How oft in your branches I've been, 

And how often I think of you still, 
'Mid the city's confusion and din. 

You kept open house, in those days 
Long ago, for the girls and the boys; 

Suggesting such wonderful plays. 

More delightful than dolls or than t03's; 

All a dream now in memory's haze. 

You were to us then a great ship, 

Through the wide world we'd sail and 
we'd sail, 

And have such a glorious trip. 

With the breeze blowing fresh, in a gale 

That would cause us to rise and to dip. 
2 



i8 INTERLUDES 

Sometimes, with a bent pin and string, 
We would fish from a great spreading 
bough; 

And oh! the sweet blossoms in Spring, 
How the fragrance returns to me now. 

And I hear once again the birds sing. 

To friends in a neighboring tree. 

We would cry, "Ship ahoy! Ship ahoy!" 

Then climb up the rigging in glee. 

Shouting loud with the fun and the joy. 

Ah! again, for one day so care free. 

With honey your table you'd spread, 

In the Spring for the birds and the 
bees, 

In Autumn, with apples so red, 

All the rosy cheeked children to please, 

For they never refused to be fed. 



INTERLUDES 19 

Oh boys and dear girls of that band, 
You are scattered so widely today, 

Some, wealth and position command. 
Locks once dark, are now sprinkled with 
gray, 

One has sailed to a far distant land. 

As birds from the apple tree flown, 

Some have mated and built them a nest, 

With children like buds freshly blown, 
Whom I hope play the plays that are best, 

In a dear orchard tree all their own. 

Beloved old Apple Tree Inn, 

At the foot of the clover-crowned hill. 
Many times in your branches Fve been: 

Through the years I shall think of you still. 
With a feeling to rev'rence akin. 



20 INTERLUDES 



LITTLE BROWN PATH 

Little brown path in the wood, 

Oh where will you lead me, I wonder. 

Far down by the sociable brook. 

Or 'round by some rocky cliffs under? 

Little brown path in the wood, 

I pause for your faintest suggestion. 

So point out the way, be my guide, 
ril follow without fear or question. 

Little brown path in the wood, 
'Tis Nature's Cathedral before us; 

Oh hark to the wind in the trees. 
How solemnly grand is the chorus. 



INTERLUDES 21 

Little brown path in the wood, 

Let's wait for the incense and blessing, 

Descending from altars above — 
I'm sure 'tis a time for confessing. 

Little brown path in the wood, 

In more ways than one I'm your debtor, 
Still steadily upward we've come 

To things that are purer and better. 

Little brown path in the wood, 

I thank you so much for your guiding; 

We're now at the top of the hill. 
My vision is clear and abiding. 



22 INTERLUDES 



TO A FRIEND 

It was back again to the city, 
To the crowded and dust-laden street, 

From the fields of the crimsoning clover 
And the breath of the wild flowers sweet, 

From the notes of the thrush and the black- 
bird 

And the meadows of buttercup bloom. 
To the rattle of cars and of motors, 

And the subway's dark tunnels of gloom. 

I was homesick, I know, for the hillside 
And the deep azure breadth of the sky, 

Only buildings so tall and unbending. 
In the place of the pine trees so high. 



INTERLUDES 23 

In the crowd as it passed, I saw faces 
(Such a changing and varying stream); 

They appeared and then vanished as quickly 
As the ones that we see in a dream. 

All were blank and so strangely unmeaning; 

Never one did a greeting extend, 
And I felt so alone, when before me. 

Came a face, yes, the face of a friend. 

Like the oak of the forest so sturdy, 

Was the grasp of his hand firm and strong. 

And his smile was a bit of pure sunshine, 
In his voice was a bird's cheery song. 

Then the city's dull roar and confusion 
Did no longer my senses offend. 

All the peace of the meadows and woodlands 
I had found in the heart of my friend. 



24 INTERLUDES 



SUNSHINE 

Sing a song of sunshine, 

Ever know such weather? 
Banks of wild thyme blooming, 

Just the hue of heather. 
Busy bees a-humming, 

Birds are warbHng clear. 
Isn't this a wonder-world 

At this time of year? 

The King is in his castle 

With problems sore perplexing; 
The Queen is in her palace 

With questions just as vexing; 
I am on the hillside, 

'Neath a bright blue sky, 
Watching cloud-ships sailing 

Noiselessly on high. 



INTERLUDES 25 

What is wealth but trouble; 

Fame, the wise man scorns, 
Are not crowns and castles 

Synonyms for thorns? 
Soul, be filled with sunshine. 

Give as it is given — 
Gilding darkest homes of earth 

With the light of Heaven. 



26 INTERLUDES 



REFLECTIONS 

The lake is gleaming in the sun 
Like burnished silver bright, 
The slender birches, one by one. 
Reflect long lines of white; 
And laurel glows 
With tints of rose 
In beds of malachite. 

I gaze into the fairy deep 

With crinkling shadows strewn. 
Where feathery clouds float by asleep, 
Lulled by the rhythmic croon 
Of wave and breeze. 
Oh joys like these 
Are gifts of blessed June. 



INTERLUDES 27 



THE GARDEN IN MY HEART 

I have a garden in my heart 

Where memories bloom, 
Sweet blossoms of the fragrant past, 

Of rare perfume. 

Its pansy-bordered paths I pace 

In silent hours, 
And rainbow-tinted thoughts I pluck 

From these dear flowers. 

Blue-eyed forget-me-nots grow here. 

Recalling friends 
Whose absence, with affection pure, 

More closely blends. 



28 INTERLUDES 

One tiny snowy bud I see 

'Mid falling tears, 
But on my breast 'twill bloom again 

Through endless years. 

True Love's dear Rose still blooms afresh 

With Happiness; 
So constant all these many years 

My Life to bless. 

This lovely garden in my heart 

Where mem'ries bloom, 
In Heavenly soil will be to me 

A rich perfume. 



INTERLUDES 29 



BENEATH THE BOUGHS 

*'There is Nothing in the Universe that I fear 
but that I shall not know all my duty, or shall 
fail to do it." 

(Inscription on Mary Lyon's tomb) 

Green boughs of oak and maple wave 
Above the stone that marks her grave, 
And shower purple shadows down 
In trembling wreaths, as tho' to crown 
With spirit leaves the spirit dear 
Of one who loved to wander here. 



Brave soul was she and undismayed, 
Of nought on this round world afraid 
But that in hearing Duty's Call 
She might not clearly know it all 



30 INTERLUDES 

Or fail to do it; Words that still 
We own have power our hearts to thrill, 
Tho' years have flown since she was laid 
Beneath the oak and maple shade. 

So many lives with hers were blent; 
They trod with her the steep ascent 
Up Learning's hill — she leading on 
Till summit reached and victory won, 
She vanished from their mortal eyes 
To gain the lasting Heavenly prize. 
But countless youthful pilgrims still 
Press on and up that self-same hill. 
Fresh courage take by this lone grave 
Where boughs of oak and maple wave. 



INTERLUDES 31 



A RACE 

A runaway road met a rollicking rill, 
The latter, one moment, could never 
stand still — 
Not pausing, he bowed, and with infinite 
grace 
He challenged the road just to run him a 
race. 

Away they went swiftly, adown a steep 
hill— 
The runaway road and the rollicking 
rill— 
And reaching the foot both in unison cried, 
"We kept quite together! We're still 
side by side!" 



32 INTERLUDES 

The rollicking rill then in frolicsome mood 
Jumped over the road, which was cer- 
tainly rude, 
And hidden from sight, 'neath the bushes 
and ferns 
Went giggling and gurgling in tortuous 
turns. 

The runaway road was amused by this 
prank — 
She waded across to the opposite bank, 
There sped up the hill and then down 
through the glen 
And called to the rill, "Ah! I've caught 
you again." 

They parted at last; ran the rill to the sea, 
The road to the top of the hillside with 
me; 



INTERLUDES 33 

But strolling along at the hour of ten 
The very next day — they were racing 
again. 



34 INTERLUDES 

THE FOREST TEMPLE 

'Twas Sabbath morn, and floating on the 

air 
Came sound of bells inviting all to prayer; 
But heedless of the call, I idly strayed 
Through silent cloisters 'neath the pine 

tree's shade. 
And on a mossy couch at length reclined, 
There opened wide the windows of my 

mind. 

The wandering wind swayed branches to 

and fro, 
And sang the song that only pine trees 

know; 
About me, softest shadows sifting down. 
Made forest path an arabesque of brown; 



INTERLUDES 35 

Then suddenly I heard a voice that said, 
"Awake! Arise! Behold the table spread; 
Take thou the bread of life — sip thou the 

wine, 
Commune with us and make this temple 

thine." 

With heavenly comfort then, my heart was 
filled. 

And all my soul seemed strangely, sweetly 
thrilled; 

Refreshed and cheered, I went my home- 
ward way, 

The distant bells, still chiming, seemed to 

say, 
" 'Tis well! 'Tis well! — the hours spent 
apart. 

The still small voice is Priest — His Temple 
is thy heart." 



36 INTERLUDES 



IN THE GARDEN 

DafFy Dilly's in the garden 
With the sunshine on her hair, 

She has loosed her soft green mantle, 
And stands gaily nodding there. 



To her friends the Misses Violet, 
With their lovely eyes of blue; 

Shy and modest, lips of perfume, 
And their robes all wet with dew. 



DafFy speaks: "I came this morning 
By the Subway Express train; 

Had a 'phone from Madame Nature, 
* Hurry, do! with might and main/ 



INTERLUDES 37 

"For she told me that her op'ning 
Would be scheduled for today; 
Have you been here long awaiting? 

Have the fashions changed much, say?" 

Said the Violets: "No, we think not, 
We go always gowned in blue, 

Though some cousins dress in yellow. 
Some in white — but very few. 

But we hear of startling changes 

In the glass house over there; 
The head gardener this morning 

Called the blossoms quaint and rare. 

To remain ourselves 'twere better, 

For, dear DafFy, only think 
Just how queer you'd look in rose tints, 

Or of us in cherry pink. 



38 INTERLUDES 

"Well, good-bye! We're glad we met you, 
We will see you at the show. 
Pray don't lose your pretty head, dear, 
You will take the prize, we know." 



INTERLUDES 39 



TO A HUMMING BIRD 

Like jeweled javelin thou dost dart and 
float, 
Sweet nectar sipping from a golden 
chalice, 
A glowing ruby, pendant at thy throat — 
No rarer gem was ever worn in palace. 

We know the secret deep within thy heart 

That brings thee daily to our jasmine 

trellis; 

'Tis love of praise, thou vain one! do not 

start — 

Is not thy meal the sweeter for it, tell us? 



40 INTERLUDES 



WITHIN THE VALE 

Oh, could I dwell in upper air, 
Far, far above the toiling earth, 

And meet one soul in friendship there — 
A friend of deepest, truest worth — 

'Mid silence of the stars to share 
The secret of Creation's birth; 

What sweet soul-happiness were mine. 

But ah! my sighs do naught avail, 
That friend for whom I inly pine, 

Will meet me only in the vale. 

« ♦ 4: * * 

"Come, dearest one, leave this low plain. 
Seest thou that tow' ring summit high ? 
To breathe that air, what wondrous gain- 
Take one step up — Beloved, try." 



INTERLUDES 41 

But all my pleadings were in vain; 
No wings had he with which to fly. 

I would not leave him if I could 
Alone, the heights above to scale, 

And so in sad and tender mood 
We walked together in the vale. 

But one day came a head of gold 
To lay upon my throbbing breast; 

I saw the lovely flower unfold 

And watched it grow and felt at rest. 

Then suddenly 'twas white and cold 
And set my hfe, as sun in west. 

Dark starless nights and days of gloom — 
I seemed as one without the pale. 

Nor recked I the impending doom 
Condemned to live within the vale. 



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()iii eyes slill soiijdil llie vision l)ii/;l)t, 



INTERLUDES 43 

Oh, v/ondrous grace — Exceeding J/<>ve, 
That led us on the upward trail, 

i'of no// orj rit;irTy h*:it;htj> abovr: 
Wc flv/f:ll no rrjor<: v/ithin th*: vale. 



44 INTERLUDES 



MINNEWASKA 

Hemlock and chestnut and maple, 
Birch tree and poplar and pine, 

Fern beds and mosses and lichens. 
Delicate tendrils of vine. 

Roseate vistas of laurel, 

Beds of rhodora so fair. 
Sassafras, sumach and elder, 

Wild roses scenting the air. 

Waterfalls roaring and plunging. 
Cascades of foam and of sound. 

Glens always dim as in twilight, 
Silence so deep and profound. 



INTERLUDES 45 

Lullabies sung by the pine trees, 
Surf-like and soothing at night, 

Music of birds in the morning. 
Tints of the sunset so bright. 

Mountain and valley and woodland, 
Cliffs rugged, rocky and tall. 

Guarding a lake of pure crystal. 
Soft fleecy clouds over all. 

Where will you find all this beauty? 

Satisfy soul, sight and mind .? 
Weary ones, haste ye this moment 

Fair Minnewaska to find. 



46 INTERLUDES 



ACROSTIC 

Mirrored in the crystal lake 
Is a picture passing fair, 
Not a ripple small to break 
Nor a wand'ring wind to shake, 
Every object, perfect there. 
When the sun puts out his light 
And the darkness hides the shores, 
Stars float there all thro' the night. 
Keep their magic lanterns bright, 
As the fairies ply their oars. 



INTERLUDES 47 



AN EASTER OPENING 

The Spring has opened wide her doors 

For all the world to view 
Her wondrous stock of broideries rare 

And garnitures so new. 

She has her hving models draped 

In gauzy shades of green. 
And shimmering robes of rosy pink, 

Fit trousseau for a queen. 

The Maples' coral ear-drops glow 

Like rubies rare and fine; 
The Oak boughs wear a tasselled fringe 

With iridescent shine. 



48 INTERLUDES 

And here's a rug of mossy green 

With galax leaves inlaid, 
And sprays of fragrant arbutus, 

In Nature's hand-loom made. 

The peach all garlanded in pink 
And blushing as with pride, 

Is Maid of Honor to her friend 
The snowy Dog-wood bride. 

But fairer still than bud or fringe, 

Or flower-bordered rills. 
The chifFon veils, that deftly drape 

The outlines of the hills. 

Spring, radiant, prides herself on these, 
Displays their changing hue 

From amethyst or pearly gray 
To tints of misty blue. 



INTERLUDES 49 

Their gauzy streamers float in folds, 

Beneath the turquoise skies. 
I fain would fancy God Himself 

As thrilled with glad surprise. 



50 INTERLUDES 



A MOUNTED JEWEL 

Away in far Palermo 

'Neath skies of softest blue 
Where tideless Mediterranean 

Reflects their azure hue, 
Near Garibaldi's garden, 

In gay Sicilian cart, 
A vision most entrancing 

Completely won my heart. 

A tiny little maiden 

The quaint conveyance bore, 
A model for Murillo — 

True elf of fairy lore. 
With cauliflowers around her 

Of tend'rest green and white, 



INTERLUDES 51 

She drove the smallest donkey 
In Moorish trappings bright. 

Sedately by the bridle 

There walked in garments rude, 

Head crowned by bright berretta, 
The father, olive-hued. 

Like shaft from Cupid's arrow 

I caught her roguish smile. 
Her ringlets dark all straying 

From crimson hood the while — 
And felt a sudden yearning 

To clasp her to my breast 
As once I held the dear one 

So long since laid to rest. 

They passed me by; but often 

I see that vision clear, 
And long to paint the picture 

That mem'ry holds so dear. 



INTERLUDES 



Ah! some who drive in grandeur 
With liveried lackeys tall, 

For this poor man's one jewel 
Would gladly give their all. 



INTERLUDES 



A PICTURE 
(Taken from Pine Cliff Path) 

Come look at a picture this morning, 
Sit near me and let your eye turn 

To great rocky boulders imbedded 
So deep in a mass of sweet fern. 

Near by is a tempest tossed pine tree; 

What great twisted branches he flings! 
The shadows he casts are a quiver, 

They dance to the song that he sings. 

There, clumps of tall birches in sunlight 
Like maidens in gowns of pure white 

\Mio stand with their arms all entwining, 
A vision of grace and delight. 



54 INTERLUDES 

Below, lies an ocean of woodland 
With tree-tops of billowing green, 

And charmed by their rhythmical motion 
The eye lingers long on the scene. 

Those patches of purple and amber 

Are homes with gay gardens and farms, 

Suggesting a vision of plenty, 

And lives free from stress and alarms. 

A glint of a great river winding 
Ijetween the blue hills you descry. 

Beyond, there are mountains and mountains 
That melt into mists of the sky. 

Faint tints of the opal above them 
That shade to a rich sapphire hue, 

And cloudlets of foam that in fancy 
Seem ships on an ocean of blue. 



INTERLUDES 



And who is the wonderful painter 

With brush of such consummate skill, 

WTiose studio winter and summer 
Each day we may view if we will? 

Not only the large things, the lofty. 
His canvasses grandly display. 

The tiniest twig or a tendril 
As well He v.ill deftly portray. 

He pencils with purple the pansy. 
Enamels the butterfly's wings; 

He rints the sweet rose by the wayside, 
.And breast of the wild bird that sings. 

I hen teach me, O Master of masters! 

Instruct Thou my hand and my heart. 
And show to me how I may truly 

Some bit of Thy secret impart. 



56 INTERLUDES 



IPSO FACTO 

I walked adown the garden path 

One early dewy morn, 
Enjoying much the fragrant air 

From blossoms newly born, 

But stopped in wonder as I saw 
A dwelling quite complete 

Had been erected in the night 
Amongst my roses sweet. 

In form it was a circle round, 
And had a winding stair, 

And many portals op'ning wide 
Inviting light and air. 



INTERLUDES 57 

Its chambered walls were hung with lace, 

So shadowy, filmy, fine, 
I thought the owner must possess 

The famed Golconda mine. 

For on the floating fairy threads 

Were dewy diamonds bright, 
Each gem a ransom for a king — 

Rich arabesques of light. 

How could I tear the structure down! 

The case was very plain, 
The owner clearly proved the right 

Of eminent domain. 



58 INTERLUDES 



MY LESSON 

Perhaps the sun did really shine- 
But still the day seemed dark; 

A disappointment I had had, — 
I wandered in the park. 

And there upon a bench I sat 
Beneath a spreading tree 

(Unmindful of the passers by) 
In gloomy reverie. 

How long I sat I do not know, 
But wakened at the sound 

Of halting footsteps on the path; 
A young girl simply gowned 



INTERLUDES 59 

Was passing on her wooden crutch, 
Her face with care was Hned, 

And looking closer still, I saw 
She was both lame and blind. 

She found a seat not far away, 

Unconscious of my gaze, 
Assumed the attitude of one 

Who listens as she prays. 

Before my thoughts, my selfish self 

Recoiled in utter shame. 
How could I say my lot was hard, 

How much I was to blame. 

I rose and from the boughs above 
(For 'twas the month of May) 

I plucked the tender apple blooms — 
A fragrant rosy spray — 



6o INTERLUDES 

And silently, for not a word 
Had I at my command, 

The buds I took with rev' rent air 
And laid them in her hand; 

Then walked at once in haste away; 

My lesson I had learned; 
I counted all my blessings twice 

As home I gladly turned. 



INTERLUDES 6i 



HARMONY 

The outline of the purple hills, 

Etched soft against the sapphire skies — 
The whispering pines — the birds' soft trills, 

The violets blue as maiden's eyes — 
And draught of crystal air that thrills 

The inmost soul with glad surprise; 
This seemeth Life's best, greatest boon; 

But wouldst thou know a bliss above 
E'en this? — ^To feel thy heart in tune 

With the Creator, and His Love. 



62 INTERLUDES 



THE CHOIR INVISIBLE 

Beside the fragrant flowery mountain way, 
A little chapel holds aloft the Cross, 

And welcomes pilgrims when they come to 
pray 
At vesper hour amid the ferns and moss. 

The rector, standing at the open door. 
Beneath the shadow of the purple pines, 

Reads rev'rently the simple service o'er. 
And in true worship every head inclines. 

Each heart communes with God in tend'rest 
mood. 
Impressive is the silence and the hush. 
When suddenly from depths of dusky 
wood — 
The Gloria, chanted by the hermit thrush. 



INTERLUDES 63 

-^olian sounds that echo far and near, 

To rest at last, within my inmost heart, — 
There, when Life's wintry winds are chill 
and drear. 
To waken Spring once more, and Joy 
impart. 



i 



\ 



64 INTERLUDES 



THE SHOWER 

Over Sky-top's rocky dome, 

Comes the welcome shower at last, 
Gauzy curtains of the rain. 

Following close upon the blast. 

Veiling outlines of the hills, 

Covering the valley floor, 
Till a mighty misty sea 

Billows where was land before. 

Sweeping up the wooded slope, 
Like an army in its might, 

All the forest trees salute. 
Bending low before the sight. 



INTERLUDES 65 

Then the lightning's javeHns rend, 
Cloud from cloud in upper air, 

And the thunder growls and roars 
Like a lion in his lair. 

Little rivers flood the path, 

Waterfalls plunge from the eaves, 

All the trees and plants and shrubs. 
Show with pride their ghstening leaves. 

Lily cups filled to the brim, 
Diamonds sparkle on the rose, 

Every tiny blade and bud 

Owns a gem that brightly glows. 

Now the sun peeps coyly out 
From the widening rifts of blue; 

Gone the mighty sea of mist. 
Once again the valley view. 

5 



66 INTERLUDES 

Range on range of distant hills 
Outlined clear against the sky; 

Sky-top views the world once more, 
P rom his rocky fortress high. 



INTERLUDES 67 



RESPONSE 

Since thou went forth to that Far Land 

And left me here alone, 
L've craved a missive from thy hand 

Placed close within my own. 
Last night in dreams I called thy name- 

And lo, a heavenly host! 
From starr>- heights thy letter came 

To me by angel post. 



68 INTERLUDES 



MY FORTUNE 

Sapphire — the color of the skies, 

Topaz — the radiant sunlight fair. 
No gems can vie with baby's eyes 

Nor molten gold with baby's hair. 
More precious far than Orient pearls 

His teeth are set 'twixt rubies red, 
The sun imprisoned in his curls, 

Makes diamond aureole round his head, 
The richest millionaire on earth 

Has purse too small with which to buy 
My gem of gems, of priceless worth — 

The love-li^ht in my baby's eye. 



INTERLUDES 69 

THE GARDEN OF LONG AGO 
(Adapted from the French of Mme. Rostand) 

When my blonde locks shall be silvered 

And thine shall be pov»dered with snow, 
Some bright May morning we'll wander 

In the garden of Long Ago. 
We will warm ourselves in that sunshine 

And youth to our hearts 'twill restore, 
Caressingly smile on each other, 

Be ardent young lovers once more. 
Thine eyes shall be lustrous and tender. 

Thy voice filled with music, and low, 
When my blonde locks shall be silvered 

And thine shall be powdered with snov.-. 

The old mossy bench in that garden, 
Beloved, we'll seek as of yore, 



70 INTERLUDES 

And murmur those exquisite nothings 

And kiss and embrace and adore. 
Once more wilt thou whisper, ''I love 
thee/' 

Once more the sweet story be told, 
And on our old heads the bright sunlight 

Will turn all the silver to gold. 
To taste once again all that sweetness. 

Those long vanished days to restore, 
The old mossy bench in that garden 

Beloved, we'll seek as of yore. 

As ever today will I love thee. 

Far better than tongue can e'er say; 

Each yesterday less than the morrow. 
Tomorrow, still more than today. 

No matter if Time unrelenting 

Should write on our foreheads his 
sign, 



INTERLUDES 71 

Still closer and closer Love's tendrils 
Will clasp, interlace and entwine. 

More tenderly then and with fervor, 
Thy hand will I take as I say, 

'Each yesterday less than the morrow, 
Tomorrow, still more than today." 

As a miser buries his treasure, 

So deep in my heart do I hold 
True Love, which ennobles, enriches 

With happiness purer than gold. 
And when we are aged, my darling. 

This fortune we'll still have as ours, 
Restoring to us as by magic 

The sweetness of love as of flowers. 
Then deep in my heart will I hide it 

That fortune which this day we hold; 
'Tis Love which ennobles, enriches 

With happiness purer than gold. 



72 INTERLUDES 

When my blonde locks shall be silvered 

And thine shall be powdered with snow, 
Beloved, again will we wander 

In this garden of Long Ago. 
Again in our hearts 'twill be May-time, 

The years of our love will unfold 
A vision of heavenly sunshine 

Disclosing a pathway of gold 
That leads to the Garden Celestial; 

There hand in hand clasped, let us go 
When my blonde locks shall be silvered 

And thine shall be powdered with snow. 



HUMOROUS 



INTERLUDES 75 



HARD TIMES 

'*Doom! Doom!" croaked a solemn old frog, 
As he looked at his world from a log; 
"Meat's dreadfully high; 
Do look at that fly 
Still soaring away, 
*Twere better I sa\- 
Could I live just the life of a dog." 

''Cheer up!" piped a robin in air, 

"You have plenty of v/ealth and to spare. 

Come! alter your tone; 

A bank all your own, 

And greenbacks galore, 

What can you wish more 
Than to be a bij? froj{ millionaire?" 



76 INTERLUDES 

*'Doom! Doom!" said the solemn old frog, 
And continued to croak on his log; 
*'My bank it will break, 
My fortune's a fake. 
All water, my stock, 
Ach! Himmel! Ach! Ach!" 
In despair then he plunged in the bog. 



INTERLUDES ^-j 



KNOWIN' THE LANGUAGE 

(Pat at the Siege of Paris) 

*'Qui va la?" sez the guard 

Wid an impident stare. 
And, knowin' the language, 

"Je,'* sez I, wid an air. 
And wid that, his shoulder 

Wint up to his ear, 
And "Comment?" sez he 

Wid a menacin' leer. 
Thin my timper give way 

But I niver wanst flinched, 
*' 'Tis, come on yourself, sir," 

Sez I, and we clinched. 



78 INTERLUDES 



CHOWDER 

Said a crab to a clam, 
"How happy I am 
To meet you! Pray, how is your 

mammy?" 
The clam opened his shell 
And said, "Not very well. 
Her flesh is so cold and so clammy" 

Said the crab, "Now I too 

Am feeling quite blue, 

For a canine, supposed to be rabid. 

Caught my mother-in-law 

And mangled her jaw, 

And now she's so dreadfully crabbed,'* 



INTERLUDES 79 



THE CROWS CONUNDRUM 

From my window I can see 

A coal-black crow in a paw-paw tree. 

Hidden away under leaves of green 

Is the golden fruit; but his eyes so keen 

Have found the prize, and he laughs, ''Haw! 

Haw! 
What a wonderful tree is this paw-paw!" 
So into the ripest he jabs his bill 
And eats away till he has his fill; 
Then, winking one eye, he looks at me 
And says, *'I own this tropical tree! 
Now tell me, pray, just why am I 
The very worst cannibal under the sky? 
Because, you see. Haw! Haw! Haw! Haw! 
I love to devour my own Paw-paw." 



80 INTERLUDES 



ON A BARK 



Said a surly sea dog — a curmudgeon — 
To a lazy Jack-tar, "What a gale! 

Yourself, you must quickly be sturgeon, 
Else your fate you will surely be whale. 

'Should this vessel turn turtle or founder 

My mussels full weight I'll lay on, 
I'll knock you as flat as a flounder, 
Taking vengeance, you lazy tarpon." 



INTERLUDES 8i 



A CHANGE OF EXPRESSION 

"Hoo! Hoo! Hoo!" said a wise owl perched 
up in a tree. 

''Hee, hee, hee!" said the silly maid, "Te 
hee, hee, hee!" 

"Hi, Hi, Hi!" said the bird man, "I'll fly 
through a cloud." 

"Ho, Ho, Ho!" said the farmer. "My 
fields must be plowed." 

" Heigh-ho-heigh !" said the lazy man, sti- 
fling a yawn. 

"Hew-hew-hew!" said the woodsman, 
mighty of brawn. 

"Haw-hee Haw!" said the donkey, begin- 
ning to bray. 

"Ha, ha, ha! Ha, ha, ha!" laughed the 
children at play. 



82 INTERLUDES 



STYLE 

Such dashing styles the Spring assumes 
This year, the Easter morn to greet, 

A hat with sweeping willow plumes, 
And violet sandals on her feet. 



INTERLUDES 83 



ONE DAY A LITTLE GIRLIE SAID 

One day a little girlie said, 

With a saucy toss of her curly head 

And numerous hops and wriggles, 
''I am so happy, Mother dear, 
I feel away inside me here 

I'm just stuffed full of giggles." 



84 INTERLUDES 



FLORIDA 

A picture panoramic 

Portrayed in fewest lines: 
The land of pickaninnies, 

Palmettos, pigs and pines. 



LIMERICKS 



INTERLUDES 87 



A YOUNG MAID OF MANILA 

There was a young maid of Manila 
Who wore a fur coat of Chinchilla; 

Her favorite dish 

Was fritters and fish 
Served hot with a sauce of vanilla. 



88 INTERLUDES 



WHEN YOU'RE TRIPPING 

When you're tripping on your tiptoes up to 

Tryon 
You may meet some day a mighty mountain 
Hon; 
Let me laughingly explain 
'Twill be minus mouth and mane 
Just a mighty little sandy dande-lion. 



INTERLUDES 89 



THERE WAS AN OLD LADY 

There was an old lady said, ''Now 
I will knit me a shawl, but pray how ? 

No wool can I get, 

Some way I'll find yet." 
And straightway she knitted her brow. 



^^t Snternational ©reiBtf 

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA 
U. S. A. 



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